Page 13 of Tempting Hunter
“Thank you so much for coming,” one of the members said. “We know your time is valuable, so we’ll get started. Follow me.”
He and Michaela followed behind the woman. As soon as they got to the door, Hunter paused and whispered, “You’re going to do just fine, and I’ll be there to make sure everything goes as it should.”
“Thank you.” She gave him a trembling smile.
Inside, after a round of introductions, they got down to business. Two minutes in, Tom started.
“I think we should give careful consideration to finding someone with more experience,” Tom said. “Or at least have someone assist and supervise.”
The board’s chairperson sighed. “Tom, we’ve been over this before. When Mr. Prescott donated the wing, the stipulations included his choice of persons to create the mural. He’s chosen Ms. Saunders, and we will govern ourselves accordingly.”
“My daughter has far more experience and has been painting much longer than Ms. Saunders.”
Hunter saw the fire leap in Michaela’s eyes. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“She’s done a commissioned painting for—”
“How many paintings has your daughter sold, Mr. McFarland?” Hunter asked.
Silence.
“I take that to mean she hasn’t sold one. Ms. Saunders, on the other hand has sold at least a dozen, has had showings at prominent art festivals and was commissioned to do the artwork for a local doctor’s office. But that’s neither here nor there.” He leaned forward. “My grandfather’s last wishes state thatsheis to complete the mural and the board has voted in the affirmative. It would be a shame for the funding to be pulled at such a late date if we can’t come to an agreement.”
Tom visibly blanched.
“That won’t be necessary, Mr. Prescott,” the chairperson rushed to say.
That’s what I thought.Hunter shifted his gaze to Michaela and found her viewing him strangely. He’d give anything to know what she was thinking.
